Minor Characters in Chapter 8

In this chapter, the only minor character we really see in Michaelis:

• Michaelis- In this chapter, Michaelis attempts to comfort George Wilson after the death of his wife, Myrtle. Michaelis stays with him for hours, and tries to calm him down. He asks him question about his life, Myrtle, and suggests that Wilson go to a church or talk to a priest. When Wilson tells him of his suspicion that someone purposely tried to kill Myrtle, Michaelis assures him that it was an accident. Then, when Wilson refers to the eyes of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg as God, Michaelis replies, "That's an advertisement (pg. 167)." I believe that Michaelis could possibly symbolize good, because he is the only one to stay with Wilson all day, and he does not seem corrupt. He could even symbolize reason, as he tries to reason with George that his wife was not murdered and that the advertisement isn't really God.
• Wolfsheim- Wolfsheim is very briefly mentioned in this chapter: "The chauffeur- he was one of Wolfsheim's proteges- heard the shots (pg.169)-" This could further show that Wolfsheim symbolizes corruption, as the chauffeur, his supposed protege, did not think much about the shots he heard.